How to grow Ashwagandha

Withania somnifera

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In the tropics Ashwagandah can be sown with the onset of the monsoon season and grown as a rain fed crop in climates that receive an annual rainfall of 500-750mm ². Supplemental irrigation is only required if the plant appears overly stressed during the dry season, and then only enough water is required to keep younger plants alive. Always allow the plant to dry out between waterings in the winter months.

Growing Ashwagandha from seed

The seeds need to be exposed to light to germinate, so do not rake soil over sown seed.

Soil temperature should be kept higher than 18°C / 64°F to ensure good germination.

Transplanting Ashwagandha

Seedlings can be transplanted from around 30 days after sowing.

Ensure that temperatures are mild (minimum night temperatures should be around 20°C / 68°F) and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as Ashwagandha is a tender plant.

Harvesting Ashwagandha

When leaves dry down and the berries have turned red the whole plant can be harvested for its roots.

How long does Ashwagandha take to grow?

These estimates for how long Ashwagandha takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

Days to Germination How long does it take Ashwagandha to germinate?: 15 days
Average 15 days | Min days | Max days (0)
Days to Transplant How long until I can plant out Ashwagandha?: + 35 days
Average 35 days | Min days | Max days (0)
Days to Maturity How long until Ashwagandha is ready for harvest / bloom?: + 180 days
Average 180 days | Min days | Max days (0)
Total Growing Days How long does it take to grow Ashwagandha?: = 230 days

Other names for Ashwagandha

Withania, Indian Ginseng, winter cherry, poison gooseberry

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal

Footnotes

¹ Wise pooch entry on ashwagandha

² Ashwagandha